2023 Toyota Highlander Gets Hybrid Variant and Larger Grand Highlander Model

Toyota is once again making changes to the Highlander model. Now, the 2023 Toyota Highlander will be a complete model. We are talking about the new hybrid powertrain option and the Grand Highlander variant. Thanks to this, Toyota will narrow the gap between the Highlander and Sequoia models.

On top of that, the Japanese carmaker will provide a higher level of comfort and more technology-advanced features. On the other hand, we don’t expect major upgrades such as redesign or a complete interior overhaul. Still, hybrid power and the three-row Grand Highlander are coming, which is great.

Toyota Highlander Changes and Trim Levels

We thought Toyota would make some changes to the look of its cars in 2022, but the COVID-19 outburst made them change their plans. Now, the 2023 Toyota Highlander is coming with nice visual upgrades. Even though big changes aren’t likely, there should be enough to get a lot of attention.

Because the Highlander is one of the best-selling mid-size SUVs on the market, it has a lot of people excited about it. Every trim level will come with the most modern technology even if it costs less. However, the mid-range models are always the best deal because it costs a reasonable amount but still has a lot of high-tech features. There will be Toyota Highlander XLE and XSE models for sale in 2023, and they will cost more. You can get almost as good a deal if you’re willing to spend more. The Limited and Platinum editions are more premium and are offering a lot of luxury. Still, we are waiting for the official details, which include the latest cosmetic updates.

What is a Grand Highlander?

Toyota already registered a new name for the upcoming model. Officially, there hasn’t been any news about the new Grand Highlander. Anyway, the 2023 Toyota Highlander finally get a larger version. ‘Grand’ is probably a word for something bigger. However, the Sequoia SUV is still in charge of the full-size segment. Thus, the 2023 Grand Highlander may be in between these two things, so it could be there.

Adding an extra body can solve one of the most important problems with the standard Highlander – not enough space for the second row of seats. Extra body length allows designers to add more legroom for rear passengers and more space for cargo behind them. With all the seats folded down, the current configuration has 84 cubic feet of space. This was possible after a redesign and the addition of a long-wheelbase configuration. The Grand Highlander now has 100 cubic feet of space.

Hybrid Powertrain is Coming

This is what we can expect when Toyota releases its next 2023 Toyota Highlander. It will have the same engine options as before. The majority of people still want to buy cars that run on pure gasoline. A 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque is back in stock. When an eight-speed automatic transmission is in use, it sends power to the front wheels. An all-wheel drive is an option that can be added.

Nonetheless, the 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a far better choice if this is what you want. This one is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Engineers, on the other hand, are giving up power in order to be more efficient. The new hybrid can get 35 miles per gallon combined, which is more than many small cars can do. The transmission and drivetrain stay the same, but the power output is cut to 242 horsepower.

2023 Toyota Highlander Release Date, Price

The forthcoming 2023 Toyota Highlander will cost around $35,000. However, we don’t know how much the hybrid powertrain is going to cost. The same is with the all-new Grand Highlander model as well. Anyway, this SUV will hit the dealerships later in 2022, while the official debut will happen a few months before the official launch date.